Secret Santa online: a free draw without spreadsheets or a hat

What Secret Santa is and why you need a draw

Secret Santa is a gift exchange in a group: everyone prepares a gift for one person and tells nobody who it is. The draw assigns the pairs at random. That is what makes the exchange fair and keeps the mystery until the day of the handover.

The game is also called Secret Saint Nicholas or simply a gift exchange. The rules are the same: one recipient per giver, one budget and one date for everyone.

Why an online draw beats a hat

• Nobody draws themselves: the system simply never pairs a person with themselves. The organizer can also add exclusions, for example for spouses.
• Everyone sees only their own match. Nobody knows the whole draw, not even the organizer.
• The pairs do not get lost in a chat and there are no slips to check.
• If someone drops out after the draw, the pairs can be redrawn for the rest.
• Members see their match’s wishlist right away and do not agonize over the choice.

How to run Secret Santa in Bazhanka, step by step

1. Create a group and choose the Secret Santa mode. Add a name, the exchange date and, if you like, a maximum budget.
2. Invite members by email or by link. Joining the group also confirms taking part in the game: there is no separate confirmation.
3. Let everyone create their wishlist in the group. Before the draw other lists are hidden, so this gives nobody away.
4. When the group has at least four people including the organizer, press “Start game”. The draw happens at once.
5. Everyone opens their match and reads the list. Prepare the gift within the budget.
6. Agree on the place and way of handing it over by the chosen date. Bazhanka does not arrange delivery and does not collect addresses.

We keep the detailed rules of the game separately: Secret Santa in Bazhanka.

What to agree on before the start

• Budget. One amount for everyone prevents the “someone gave UAH 1000 and someone UAH 100” situation. Pick one that burdens nobody.
• Exchange date. It is needed up front so everyone has time to buy a gift.
• Handover format. In person at a meeting, in the office or by post: agree in advance.
• Who takes part. Add only those who really want to play: nobody can be added after the start.

What to do if someone leaves the game

Before the game starts the person simply leaves the group roster. After the draw Bazhanka repeats it automatically for the remaining members if at least three are left. If two are left, the game is canceled. So before buying a gift, check that your match has not changed.

Common mistakes

• Inviting people after the start: joining is closed.
• Counting only three players: the minimum is four including the organizer.
• Not setting a date: without it members do not know when to have the gift ready.
• Buying a gift before everyone has gone through the draw: the pairs can change if someone leaves.